Counting system including step-by-step devices providing predetermined operation



Aug. 20, 1957 J. BERGER 2,803,407

COUNTING SYSTEM INCLUDING STEP-BY-STEP DEVICES PROVIDING PREDETERMINED OPERATION Filed July 50, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l ;:::::::I :J-34 I I, LTgfl Ti-B/ F161 FIG 3 INVENTOR. BY Jacques Berger Any.

Aug. 20, 1957 J. BERGER 2,803,407

I COUNTING SYSTEM INCLUDING STEP-BY-STEP DEVICES PROVIDING PREDETERMINED OPERATION Filed July 30, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2;

I I I l I I I ROTARY SWITCH ROTARY SWITCH INVENTOR. FIG. 2 Jacques Berger United States Patent COUNTING SYSTEM INCLUDING STEP-BY-STEP IggigES PROVIDING PREDETERMINED OPER Jacques Berger, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Welding Research, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application July 30, 1952, Serial No. 301,728

19 Claims. (Cl. 235-132) This invention relates generally to counting and control circuits and more particularly to improved counting circuits using step-by-step operating devices such as electrically operated stepping switches.

In my copending application Serial No. 73,299 filed February 28, 1949, now Patent No. 2,652,197, there is disclosed a pace making system which may be used in various timing, counting and control circuits. This application is directed to improvements in this system which result in simplification thereof and provide different embodiments which render the system particularly suitable for certain applications. This system is particularly applicable wherein it is desired to count the same number over and over with certain controls being required between each group counted. Controls may also be provided at intermediate points during the counting of each group. This type of counting system has been designated a pace making system since each group of operations counted form one pace, and the pace may be repeated over and over with each pace continuing on from the last rather than starting again from an initial point. The system can be readily used as a timing unit by applying pulses or other signals at regularly spaced intervals and by counting a predetermined number of pulses to produce the desired time interval. As set forth in the previous application, the device has the advantages of very rapid operation, elimination of homing between succeeding operations, and in that a minimum number of operations are required by the step-by-step devices in providing the desired controls.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pace making system wherein the homing of the system prior to operation thereof is greatly simplified.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pace making system wherein the maximum number which can be counted in each pace may be increased without substantially increasing the amount of equipment required and the cost of the system.

A further object of this invention is to provide a pace making system using stepping switches wherein the switches are connected so that they do not move for counting the number one, and move one less than the number to be counted for counts greater than one to thereby save wear on the switch contacts.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved arrangement for changing the interconnections between the step-by-step devices in the system to thereby change the number counted in each pace, thus rendering the unit more readily adaptable to various applications.

A feature of this invention is the provision of a homing arrangement wherein the various step-by-step devices will start operation at the normal or initial position thereof to thereby simplify the homing circuit and eliminate the need for changing the homing connections when the count is changed from one number to another. In this arrangement the off-normal contacts of the stepping switches may be used to provide the homing circuit so that a contact level is not required for this purpose.

A further feature of this invention is the provision of ICC an arrangement wherein a plurality of levels on the stepping switches may be selectively connected in series in a spiral arrangement so that a number greater than the number of contacts on each level may be counted. The maximum number which can be counted is equal to the sum of the number of contacts less one on each of the levels which are interconnected.

A still further feature of this invention is the provision of a counting system which will retain its position in the event that the functions counted and/or the power supply thereto is interrupted, and continue on when the pulses and/or power is resumed.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a counting circuit to be used to control part of the operations of a multi-function machine having an overall control system which starts and stops the counting circuit, which includes stepping switches and a circuit therefor so that the switches do not move when the last count of each group is made so that there is no stepping switch movement whatever on a one count and the stepping switch movement is reduced by one when counting larger numbers.

Still another feature of this invention is the provision of a plug and socket arrangement for interconnecting .the step-by-step devices in the system for controlling the count, wherein the socket has a greater number of contacts than the number of positions of the step-by-step devices, and the plug may be selectively positioned in the socket to provide any desired shift in the interconnections between the step-by-step devices, to thereby provide any count within the limit of the number of positions available on the step-by-step devices. The count can, of course, be increased by the spiral arrangement referred to in the third preceding paragraph.

Further objects, features, and the attending advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings whereini Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating improved features of the system;

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the spiral arrangement for providing the counting of larger numbers; and

Fig. 3 illustrates a modification of the system of Fig. 1.

In practicing the invention, there is provided a counting system having step-by-step devices in the form of rotary stepping switches. Each switch must have a minimum of two levels of contacts and may need more levels depending upon the operation required. The switches may be of the type having off-normal contact to provide homing thereof, or a separate level may be used to provide the homing operation. The number to be counted is controlled by the cross connection of one level of the first stepping switch with one level of the second stepping switch, and this cross connection is determined by the position of a plug connected to the contacts of a level of one switch in a socket connected to the contacts of a level of the other switch. The socket includes a great number of contacts so that the plug can be positioned in various positions to thereby provideany shift of the connections up to the number of contacts on the stepping switches. In order to increase the number which may be counted at each operation, or in other words, the number of steps in each pace, beyond the number of contacts on each level of the stepping switches, an arrangement has been provided for effectively connecting additional levels of the switches in series with the main levels in a spiral arrangement so that the count effectively transfers from one level to another to effectively add the contacts in the additional levels to the main level. In a system wherein the off-normal contacts are used for homing and two levels are required on each switch for the fundamental pace making operation, an additional level on each switch will permit increasing the count by the number of contacts in each level less one. Any number of levels may be added and these additionallevels may be eifectively switched out when it is desired to count a number which is within the limits of a lesser number of levels.

The counting system may be used as one part of a more general control system for a multi-function machine. In such case the main control system may operate to turn the counting system off and on. The operations to be counted may in such a system also control energization of the stepping switches so that the stepping switches are not moved during the first count and moves one less than the number counted in any instance. This results in a further saving in wear on the stepping switch contacts. This arrangement may be easily disabled if desired so that the stepping switches respond to each operation. Referring now to the drawings, in Fig. 1 there is illustrated a system which includes the stepping switches and and a control circuit therefor including the relays 30 and 40. The stepping switch 10 includes the actuating mechanism 11, standard interrupter contacts 12, offnormal contacts 13, and contact levels 14 and 15, each of which is illustrated as having ten contacts. It isto be pointed out that the number of contacts may be any number desired and switches having only ten contacts are illustrated to simplify the drawings. The stepping switch 20 similarly includes anactuating mechanism 21, interrupter contacts 22, off-normal contacts 23, and the contact levels 24 and 25. The relay 30 includes at least five sets of contacts 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35, and the relay 40 similarly includes the sets of contacts 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45. The actuating mechanisms 11 and 21 respectively of the stepping switches 10 and 20 are connected to a minus potential, and to ground through condenser 18 and resistor 19, and condenser 28 and resistor 29, respectively. The circuits including a condenser and resistor are for the purpose of providing spark protection and have no other function in the system.

The off-normal contacts 13 and 23 of the two stepping switches may be connected in a circuit to bring the switches to the initial or number one position to condition the system for operation. It is to be pointed out again that this homing operation is not required between the successive paces, but the two stepping switches must have certain predetermined relationships when the operation starts, and 'one such relationship which is easy to provide, is for the two switches to be at the initial or number one position. Connections for homing the-stepping switches is provided through the switch 61) which includes three sets of contacts designated 61, 62 and 63, respectively.

When it is desired to start the system, the homing switch 60 is moved to the right. This causes the switch contacts 62 and 63 to close, so that ground is applied through the off-normal contacts 13 and the interrupter contacts 12 to energize the actuating mechanism of the stepping switch 11. The off-normal contacts 13 are held open by cam 16 when the stepping switch 10 is in the number one position. Therefore, if the switch is in the number one position when the homing switch is moved to the right, the stepping switch 10 will'not operate since the circuit is open at contacts 13. However, if the stepping switch is not at the number one position, contacts 13 will be closed and the stepping switch will operate in a step-by-step manner through action of the interrupter contact 12 until it reaches the number one position. Similarly, the contact 63 of the switch 60 provides a circuit through oil-normal contacts 23 and interrupter contact 22 to the actuator mechanism 21 of the relay 2t and this will in the same manner operate the stepping switch until the cam 26 opens the off-normal contacts 23.

The switch 60 may be spring biassed to the left so that this switch may merely be held to the right long enough for the homing operation to take place, and will then move back to the left position which is the normal operating position. It is noted that in this position the circuit through the off-normal and interrupter contacts is open and the contacts 61 provide a ground to the relays 30 and 4t). During the homing operation this ground is broken by the contact 61 so that the relays 30 and 40 are not operative. It is therefore seen that the homing circuit for the stepping switches may be very simple and need not include a level of contacts for this purpose if switches of the type having off-normal contacts are used. It is obvious that a level of contacts could be used in place of the off-normal contact with the movable contact of the level forming one. side of the switch. 13, and a connection between all of the contacts except the first contact of the level forming the other contact of switch 13. Therefore, a connectionwould be established-through this level when the stepping'switch is in all positions except the number one position, which is the desired circuit for homing to the number one position. The system is horned to the number one position regardless of the number to be counted so that a variable connection is not required for providing the homing operation.

Although the system may 'be used to count impulses or operations of various different kinds, in Fig. 1 there is illustrated a simple switch which may be intermittently closed to in effect apply pulses to the system. The switch 50 may be ganged with a second switch 51 with the two being actuated by a common actuating member 52. The function of the second switch 51 will be described hereinafter. Another switch 53 may be bridged across the switch 51 so that if the operation of switch 51 is not desired, it can be effectively removed without changing the physical connection between the. two switches 50 and 51.

As described in my earlier application referred to above, it is necessary to interconnect two levels of each of the two stepping switches to provide the successive counting of a predetermined number, as of the steps which form the paces. These interconnections are provided between the contact level 14 of switch 10 and level 24 of switch 20, and between the contact level 15 of switch 10 and level 25 of switch 20. The contact levels 15 and 25 may be'directly connected, with the number one contact of switch 15 being connected tothe number one contact of switch 25 and so on. The contact levels 14 and 24 require adjustable interconnecting means therebetween to permit selection of the number of steps in each. pace.

7 Such adjustable interconnection may be provided by the socket 7t) and the plug 71. The plug and socket may be of any physical construction and is illustrated in a schematiemanner only.

' In the socket 70 the connections to the'contacts of the level 14 are duplicated so that, the plug 71 may be connected to provide any required amount of shift in the connections between the level 14 and the level 24. A dotted lineis shown in Fig. 1 between contact 3 of the socket 70 and contact 1 of the socket 71. Such a connection provides a shift of 2 "and this will provide a count of 2 when the system operates. It is to be noted that when the number one contact of the plug 71 engages the number 3 contact of the socket 70, number 2 of plug 71 will engage number 4 of socket 70, number 3 will engage number 5 and so on, so that each connection is shifted by 2. It will be apparent from a consideration of.

the numbering of the plug 71 and the socket that any shift from one to 10 may be provided so that a pace up to 9 steps can be provided.

Considering now the operation of the system, switch 60 is moved to the right to home the stepping switches 10 and 21 andthen moves back to the left to provide a ground to the relays 30 and 40. With the number one contact of plug 71 in the number 3 contact of socket 70, there will be no connection between the movable arms of levels 14 and 24 when the stepping switches are in the home or number one position. There will, however,

be a connection between the movable arms of levels 15 and 25 since these levels are directly interconnected 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc. Assuming that the switch 53 is closed to eliminate the eifect of the switch 51, it will be apparent that the minus potential will be applied from the movable arm of contact level 15 and through the movable arm of contact level 25, to the relay 30. This will close contacts 31 which are holding contacts for the relay 30, with the holding circuit being completed through the contacts 41 of the relay 40 which are normally closed. Contacts 32 and 35 of relay 30 will be open and contacts 33 thereof will close. The contacts 33 provide a circuit through the normally closed contacts 45 from the main operating switch 50 to the actuating mechanism 11 of the switch 10. Then, as the switch 50 is closed, it will provide ground to the actuating mechanism 11, and since this mechanism is already connected to minus, the stepping switch will operate each time the switch 50 is closed.

Now when the stepping switch moves 2 steps, the contact number 3 will be engaged by the movable arm at level 14 to cause a circuit connection between the movable arms of levels 14 and 24. This connection energizes the relay 40, causing the contacts 41 and 45 thereof to open to release the holding circuit for the relay 30 and interrupt pulses to the stepping switch 10. Contact 42 closes to establish a holding circuit for the relay 40 which is completed through the contact 32 of the relay 30 which is normally closed. The contact 43 of the relay 40 closes to provide a circuit through the normally closed contacts 35 for connecting the switch 50 to the actuating mechanism 21 of the stepping switch 20 so that the next pulses will be applied to the stepping switch 20 to cause operation of this switch. When the switch 20 operates through 2 steps, an interconnection will again be provided between the levels and 25 since both switches 10 and will have been moved 2 steps and be on the same contact. This will cause actuation of the relay 30, in the manner previously described, and will release the holding circuit for relay 40 and interrupt the circuit for applying pulses to the stepping switch 20. The stepping switch 10 will then again operate through 2 steps. -It is obvious that this operation will continue with each stepping switch proceeding for two operations and then the other. The number of steps in each pace can obviously be controlled by changing the position of the plug 71 in the socket 70.

The relays 30 and 40 can be used to provide various desired controls at the end of each pace. Contacts 34 and 44 of the relays can be used for this purpose and additional contacts can also be provided. Although these contacts are illustrated as normally open, it is obvious that normally closed contacts can be used if desired.

It is believed that this simple system will emphasize one of the basic advantages of iapplicants system wherein the wearing of the contacts is minimized since the switches do not home and only one switch operates at a time. In a homing type of system it is necessary for the switches to make a wiping engagement with all the contacts in each level before the next operation can take place even though only part of the contacts are actually needed. When a 2-count is used with a l0-level switch, 8 contacts would be wiped over for homing to get back to the number one position and this would provide no useful function whatever. This invention is not limited to the use of a system having stepping switches as any other step-'by-step device would have the advantage that the device is not used except to provide the useful operation since no homing is required between steps.

In certain applications an arrangement may be provided w-hich will further save wear of the stepping switches. This application is possible only when the system is used as a part of an over-all control system such as for controlling l8. multi-function machine wherein the counter is merely used to count pulses for one function of the machine and is then deenergized by the main control system. That is, the various minus potential con nections of Fig. 1 would all be connected to the power supply minus terminal by a switch as shown. Therefore, when the main control circuit reached a point at which the counting was required, the main switch 80 would be closed and after the counting has taken place to cause the next step in the machine the switch 80 would open. For such operation the contacts 34 and 44 of relays 30 and 49 which are normally open could be used, and would act through a circuit 81 in the machine to start an operation or function following the function during which the counting took place.

To provide such operation an additional set of contacts 82 must be provided in the homing switch 60 to apply energy to the system during the homing operation. Also it is necessary to bridge the contacts 32 and 41 of the holding circuits so that the holding circuit for relay 40 will not be broken when relay 30 is energized and vice versa. This may be accomplished by closing the switches 83 and 84 which are bridged across these contacts. It is therefore seen that the relays 30 and 40 will remain locked until the power is removed through action of the switch 80.

For such operation, the plug 71 is positioned in the socket 71 in a position one less the number to be counted. That is, for counting one, there would be no shift and the contact 1 of plug 71 would be engaged in the contact 1 of socket 79. Then when switch 80 is closed by the main control circuit and the operations to be counted are applied to the actuating member 52, both switches 50 and 51 will close. Prior to the closing of switch 51, neither of the relays 30 nor 40 will be operated since the minus potential is not applied to the levels 14 and 15, 24 and 25 until the contacts 51 are closed. However, when the contacts 51 close, the connections through levels 14 and 24, and through 15 and 25 will both be made at the same time to cause relays 30 and-40 to operate simultaneously and to lock themselves. As the relays are faster than the stepping switches and will both operate to open the contacts 35 and 45 as soon as the first pulse is received, neither stepping switch 10 nor 20 will operate for a one count.

Operation of the relays 3 0 and 40 will cause the circuit 81 to be completed through contacts 3.4 and 44 to provide a control in the machine. It is obvious that these contacts can be used in control circuits in various ways and that more contacts, either normally open or normally closed, can be provided as required. Some further operation of the machine may be used to open the switch 80 to release the relays and condition the counting system for the next operation.

When it is desired to provide a 3 count, for example, the plug 71 will be positioned with the number one contact in engagement with the number 3 contact of the socket 70 as shown by dotted line. However, it is to be noted that this now providles a 3 count, whereas it provides only a 2 count in the system previously described. When the switch 80 is closed by the main control circuit and the actuating member 52 is operated, energy will be provided through contacts 51 and through the levels 15 and 25 to close the relay 30, which locks itself through its contacts 31, so that the closing of the switch 50 will cause the stepping switch 10 to operate. The relay 40 will not be closed because of the shift between the levels 14 and 24. However, after two operations of the actuating member 52, a circuit will be established between levels 14 and 24. The second operation will not cause the relay 40 to close, however, since the stepping switches are of the type that the movement takes place after the energization thereof is completed. That is, when switch 5% is closed, it merely arms a ratchet of the actuating mechanism 11, and the contacts thereof do not move to the next position until the energization isreleased vand the ratchet acts to move the contacts. How- {evenafter two movements, the circuit between levels 14 and 24. is established and then when the actuating member 52 moves a third time, the minus potential is applied by switch 51 to level 24, and will cause actuation of the relay 40 which locks itself through its contacts 42. Since the relays and 40 are both energized the contacts and 45 are opened to prevent application of pulses to the stepping switches. The relays operate faster than the stepping switches so that the last pulse cuts off the pulses before movement of the stepping switch is produced thereby. The contacts 34 and 44 of the relays so and ii) will therefore close to establish the circuit 81.

Therefore, it is seen that a 3 count is provided by movement of the stepping switch through only two positions. This, therefore, always saves wear of the contacts and completely eliminates the stepping switch motion and the wiping action of the contacts in the event that the system is such that one count may be frequently used. As previously mentioned, this system is applicable only wherein the entire counting system is deenergized after the desired count is provided by further action of the machine, and is then energized when it is desired that another count be provided during the next cycle of the machine. It is to be noted, however, that the counting system in accordance with the invention may be particularly suitable for use in many systems since the number of operations to be counted can be changed very easily as desired and the over-all system is relatively simple.

The system in accordance with the invention has the advantage that in the event the pulses or other functions operating the system are delayed, the system will retain its position and will then continue on when the pulses are resumed. It is also possible to retain the position of the main operating relays of the system in the event the operating power is cut off by the use of an interlocking relay system as illustrated in Fig' 3. Since the relays 3t) and 40 are alternately energized, an interlocking structure including arm 75 pivoted at the center can be provided which is movable clockwise when the relay 30 is energized and counter-clockwise when the relay 4G is energized.

The contacts of relay 40 may be operated by a member 76 which operates to close the normally open contacts 42, 43 and 44, and to open the normally closed contacts 41 and when the winding of relay 40 is energized. Similarly, the normally open contacts 31, 33 and 34 are closed and the normally closed contacts 32 and 35 are opened through the operation of the arm 77 when the winding 30 is energized. In the event of power failure the relay contacts all hold their position so that when power is again provided the operation will continue.

As previously stated, it is possible to increase the number of steps in a pace, or the number which may be counted in each operation of the system above the number of contacts on each level, by the addition of levels on the stepping switches. It is to be noted that it is also possible to increase the number of steps by the use of additional stepping switches as has been described in my previous application referred to above. However, the addition of additional levels on the same stepping switches result in a much less increase in cost than the addition of separate switches.

In Fig.2 there is illustrated such a system wherein the stepping switches 110 and 120 operate generally similar to the switches 10 and 20 in Fig. 1, but instead of including two levels as in Fig. 1, they include four levels. The stepping switches will include interrupter contacts and the off-normal contact as illustrated in Fig. 1 for homing purposes, but these are not shown in Fig. 2 to simplify the drawing. Also, it may be desired to provide spark protection for the relays and stepping switches but such means are not illustrated. Further, to simplify the drawing, the levels are developed in straight lines rather than being shown at semi-circles as in Fig. 1. it is to be pointed out however, that rotary switches may be used and the developed showing is merely for simplicity. The

impulse source is illustrated again as aswitch which; is numbered 100. It is to be noted again that this may be a relay or any type of an impulse source as may be desired.

The levels of the switch are designated 114, 115, 116 and 117, with the contact numbers reading from top to bottom on the drawing. The levels of stepping switch 120 are designated 124, 125, 126 and 127, with the contacts again reading from top to bottom. The. movable contacts are shown in both cases to be at the number '3 contact of the switches. As in the embodiment previously described, one level of each switch is directly interconnected with a level of the other, these beingthe levels and 125. A second level of each switch is interconnected with a level of the other switch throughfjan adjustable connection which controls the number'of :the count. These levels are 114 and 124 which are interconnected through the contacts 102 which are illustrated only schematically. A plug-and-socket arrangement as illustrated in Fig. 1 may be used to provide this interconnection.

The stepping switches as described, with the switch 110 having levels 114 and 115, and the switch having levels 124 and 125, may be operated through the relays and in the manner described in Fig. 1 to provide counts up to nine when the selector switch 190 is in the number one position. The switch 19!) selects the range of the count and includes six movable contacts 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, and 1% which are ganged together and which are movable to three different positions marked 1, 2 and 3. This switch is shown in the number 1 position with all of the arms at the number 1 contacts.

In the system of Fig. 2, the stepping switches 110 and 120 include in addition contact levels 116 and 117 and contact levels 126 and 127', respectively. The contact levels 116 and 117 are interconnected in a diagonal or spiral arrangement with the contact level 114. Similarly the contact levels 126 and 127 are interconnected in a diagonal or spiral manner with the contact level 125. The contact levels 116 and 126 together with the relays and will function to add nine additional counts or nine additional steps in each pace. Similarly, contact levels 117 and 127 together with relays and will permit the addition of nine more to the count or pace. Levels 116 and 126 are rendered operative when the switch 191) is in the number 2 position and levels 117 and 127 are also rendered operative (in addition to 116 and 126) when the switch is in the number 3 position.

When levels 114 and 124 are connected to provide a particular count, say a count of 4, and the switch 190 is in the number 1 position, the system will operate to count four. When the switch 190 is in the number 2 position, the switch will operate to count four plus nine or thirteen. When the switch is in the number 3 position, the switch will operate to count four plus nine plus nine or twenty two. It is therefore seen that any count can be provided from one to twenty-seven depending upon the interconnection between the levels 114 and 124 and also depending upon the position of the selector switch 190.

I It is to be noted here that each of the relays 130, 140, 150 and 160 include, in addition to simple norm'allyopen or normally closed contacts, a set of contacts which are generally referred to as make before brea contacts. These contact sets are designated 135, 145, 157 and 167 respectively, and the individual contacts are designated A, B and C. In these contact sets, the contacts l3 and C are normally closed. When the relays are energized contact A engages contact C to close a circuit and then moves contact C away from contact B to break a circuit. When the relays fall out, the contacts B and C will engage each other before contacts A and C break.

Considering now the operation of the system of Fig. 2, as previously stated, the switches 110 and 120 are shown in the number 3 position. As has been previously stated, the switches may be homed in various mannets and for simplicity it is generally desirable to home them at the number 1 contact. However, at the end of a first pace the switches will be at different positions depending on the count, and at the end of a second pace the switches will again be at the same position, although not necessarily at the number 1 contact. Accordingly, it is believed that the broad application of the system may be more easily understood starting from a condition where the two switches are at the same position but are not at the number 1 contact.

The interconnection between levels 114 and 124 in Fig. 2 is such that the count of four will be provided. This will make a count of four, thirteen or twenty-two depending upon the position of switch 190 as previously mentioned. Assuming first that the switch 190 is in position one, relay 130 will be energized through the ground connection 103 on level 115, contact 3 of level 115, contact 3 of level 125, normally closed contacts 162 of relay 160, and position 1 of switch arm 194. It is seen that this applies ground to one side of the relay 130 and the other side is connected to a minus potential to actuate the relay 130. Relay 130 locks itself through its own contacts 135AC and 137, and through the normally closed contacts 146 of relay 140. The relay 130 provides a connection from the main switch 100 through normally closed contacts 143 of relay 140 and the contacts 132 of relay 130 to the stepping switch 110.

Stepping switch 110 will therefore respond to pulses from the switch 100 until this switch has moved four steps or to position 7. Then the relay 140 will be energized through the ground connection 104 at level 124, through contact three of level 124, contact 7 of level 114, and position one of switch arm 193 to the relay 140. As the relay 140 operates, contacts 146 will open to drop the holding circuit for relay 130, and contacts 145AC and 147 will close to establish a holding circuit for relay 140 through the normally closed relay contacts 136 of relay 130. The closing of relay 140 will also close contacts 142 thereof to apply pulses from the switch 100 through normally closed contacts 133 of relay 130 to the stepping switch 120. Relay 140 will open its normally closed contacts 143 to cut off pulses to the stepping switch 110.

The stepping switch 120 will then move through four steps to reach the number 7 position. It will be apparent that the stepping switches 110 and 120 move on in the previously described manner without connections through the levels 116 and 117 of switch 110 and levels 126 and 127 of switch 120, and without any operation of relays 150, 160, 170 and 180 for counts up to 9.

When it is desired to count more than 9 and no more than 18, the switch 190 may be operated to position 2. With the interconnections between levels 114 and 124 as illustrated, this will give a total count of 13, 4 plus 9. The operation of the system under these conditions will now be described with the two stepping switches in the number 3 position and selector switch 190 in the number 2 position. It will be found that a circuit is provided for energizing the relay 150 from the ground 103 through the movable contact of level 115, through contact 3 on level 115, contact 3 on level 125, through normally closed contact 162 of relay 160, through position 2 of switch arm 194, and through normally closed contact 163 of relay 160 to the relay 150. Relay 130 is energized by relay 150 through the ground 103, contact 3 of level 115, contact 3 of level 125, contact 156 of relay 150, position 2 of switch arm 194, and contact 154 of relay 150. Relay 130 locks itself through the holding circuit including contacts 135AC, 137 and normally closed contacts 146 of relay 140. Relay 150 locks itself through contacts 157AC, 137 and 146. Relay 130 operates in a manner previously described through contacts 132 and 143 to energize stepping switch 110.

When the stepping switch 110 advances four steps and comes to position 7, relay 160 is operated but relay 140 is not operated as in the previous case, when the switch 190 was in position 1. As will be apparent, relay 160 will not cause a changeover from stepping switch to and it is necessary that relay be operated to provide this changeover since 140 must open contacts 143 to disable the stepping switch 110 and close contacts 142 to provide a circuit to the stepping switch 120. Relay 160 is energized through the ground connection 104, contact 3 of level 124, contact 7 of level 114, and position 2 of switch arm 193. The relay 160 locks itself through its own contacts 167AC, normally closed contacts 145BC, its own contacts 169 and contacts 151 of relay which is operated. As previously stated, the stepping switch 110 will continue and when it advances 9 more steps, the movable contacts of this switch will engage the number 6 contacts of all levels. This results in energization of the relay 140 through the ground 104, contact 3 at level 124, contact 6 of level 16 (which is directly connected to contact 7 of level 114), position 2 of switch arm 192, contacts 166 which are now closed, and contacts of relay 160.

Relay 140 opens normally closed contact 146 to break the holding circuit to relays 130 and 150. Relay 140 then locks itself through its own contacts 145AC and 147 and through contacts 136 of relay 130. Relay 160 remains locked through contacts 167AC, 147 and 136. Contacts 143 of relay 140 open to break the circuit from switch 100 to the relay 110, and contacts 142 thereof close to establish a circuit from the switch 100 through the normally closed contacts 133 of relay 130 to the stepping switch 120. It is therefore seen that the changeover from stepping switch 110 to 120 takes place after a count of 13 or 4 plus 9.

Now that stepping switch 120 is energized, it will advance for 4 steps and come to position 7. At this point relay 150 is energized but as relay 130 is not yet energized the changeover between stepping switches does not take place. It is here to be noted that relays 130 and 140 must be operated to provide the changeover and the relays 150, 160, and really provide intermediate conditions. When the switch 120 is at position 7, relay 150 is energized through the ground connection 103, contact 6 of level 115 (it is to be noted that the stepping switch 110 stopped at position 6, not position 7), contact 7 of level 126 which is directly connected to contact 6 of level 125, position 2 of switch arm 195 to the relay 150. Relay 150 locks itself through its own contacts 157AC, normally closed contacts 135BC, its contacts 158 and contacts 161 of relay 160 which is now operated.

The stepping switch 120 will then advance 9 more steps and come to position 6. Now relay 130 is energized through the ground connection 103, contact 6 of level 115, contact 6 of level 125, contact 156 of relay 150, position 2 of switch arm 194 and contact 154 of relay 150. Relay 130 opens contact 136 to drop relays 140 and 160. The relay 130 then locks itself through its own contacts 135AC and 137, and through the contacts 146 of relay 140. Relay 150 remains locked through contacts 157AC, 137 and 146. Relay 130 acts to open contact 133 thereof to immediately interrupt pulses from the switch 100 to the stepping switch 120, and closes contact 132 to provide pulses from the switch 100 to the stepping switch 110. It is therefore seen that the system has counted 13.

Considering now the instance in which it is desired to count a number between 18 and 27, in this case the selector switch must be moved to position 3. With the cross-connection between levels 114 and 124 as shown the count will be 22 or 4 plus 9 plus 9. Starting off with each stepping switch at the number 3 position as shown, a circuit for energizing relay 170 is provided from the ground connection 103 at the movable contact of level 115 through the number 3 contact of lever 125, through the normally closed contact 162 of relay 160, the number 11 3 position of contact arm 194, the normally closed contact 183 of relay 186 to the relay 170. Relay 156} is energized through ground 103, the third contact of level 115, the third contact of level 125, switch contacts 162, position 3 of switch arm 194, normally closed contacts 144, and through contacts 174 of relay 171), which has now been operated to the relay 15d. Relay 130 is energized from the ground connection 103 to the number 3 contact of level 115 the number 3 level of contact 125,

through normally closed contact 162, the number 3 position of switch arm 194, and relay contact 155 which is now closed.

.It will be noted that in any case relay 130 cannot op- :e'rate until relay 150 is operated, which in turn cannot operate until relay 170 has operated. This is when the switch 190 is in the number 3 position. When the relays 130, 150 and 170 are all operated they will lock themselves through the holding circuits provided. Relay 13G locks through its contacts 135AC and 137 and through the normally closed contacts 146 of relay Relay 150 locks through its contacts 157AC and through contacts 137 and 146, and relay 170 locks through its contacts 177 and through contacts 137 and 1 16.

Energization of relay 136 will close the contacts 132 to connect the impulses from the main switch 100 to the stepping switch 110. Stepping switch 110 will operate through four paces to the number 7 position at which relay 180 will be energized. The circuit for relay 186 is established through ground connection 104, number 3 contact of level 124, number 7 contact of level 114, the third position of switch arm 193 to the relay 180. Relay 18il'locks itself through its own contacts 187, normally closed contacts 1673C of relay 1611, its own contacts 182 and contacts 171 of relay 170 which is operated. However, there will be no transfer of pulses to the stepping switch 121} since relay 139 is still energized holding contact 133 open so that the pulses go to the switch 120 and relay contact 143 is still closed since relay 140 is not energized so that the pulses have a path to the stepping switch 110.

When the stepping switch 116 has moved through 9 more positions and reaches the number 6 contact, the circuit will be established for energizing relay 16th. This circuit is completed from ground 104, the third contact of level 124, the sixth contact of level 116- which is directly connected to the seventh contact level 114, the number 3 contact of switch arm 192 to contacts 134- now :closed to the relay 160. The relay 160 locks itself through its own contacts 167AC, normally closed contacts 145BC of relay 140, its own contacts 169 and contacts 151 of t relay 159 which is operated. Relay 1841 remains locked through contacts 187, 145BC, 169 and 151. This again will not cause a transfer of pulses since it does not cause operation of either the relay 140 or relay 131 However, when the stepping switch 110 proceeds through 9 more positions, the relay 1% will be energized. This connection is established from ground 104 through the number 3 contact of level 124, the number 5 contact of level 117 which is connected in turn to the number 6 contact of level 116 and the number 7 contact of level 114. From the number 5 contact of level117 connection is made to the thirdposition of switch arm 191 throughcontarts 168 of relay 1611 which is now closed, the contact 16 of relay 16 3, to the relay 14-11. The relay 140 opens contacts 146 to reieuse the relays 130, 150 and 179, and locks itself through its own contacts 145AC and 147, and through the contacts 136 of relay 130. Relay 16% remains locked through contacts 167AC, 147 and 136, and relay 1311 remains locked through contacts 187, 1 17 and 136.

1 Whenrelay 140 operates, contacts 14-3 thereof open immediately to interrupt the application of pulses to the stepping switch 116 and contacts 1142 close to apply pulses to the stepping switch 120 through the contacts 133 of relay 139 which are now closed. Therefore, the

pulses from the main switch will be transferred to the stepping switch 126. It will be noted that the relays are so interconnected that the stepping switches are not connected, and therefore remain stationary in the interval between the time that relay 40 is energized and the relay 130 drops out. The relays 140, 160 and 180 are held energized through the stepping switch connections which remains until the end of the first pulse after the changeover and therefore will be held until the circuit through contacts 136 of relay 130 is established.

The stepping switch 126) will move in response tothe pulses until it reaches contact 7. At this time relay 170 will be energized through ground connection 103, the numher 5 contact of level (it is to be noted thatthe stepping switch 110 is in the'numberS position now). The connection is completed through the number 7 contact of level 127 which is directly connected to the number 6 com tact of level 126 and the number 5 contact of level 125, to the number 3 position of switch 196, to the relay 170. The relay 170 locks itself through its own contacts 177, normally closed contacts 1578C of relay 150, its own contacts 172 and contacts 181 of relay 180 which is now operated. The operation of relay 170 will not transfer pulses of the stepping switches to 110 but will permit the stepping switch 120 to continue through 9 more positions when relay 150 is energized.

Energization of relay 150 takes place through the ground connection 103, the number 5 position of level 115, the number 6 position of level 126 which isdirectly connected to the number 5 position of level 125, the number 3 position of switch arm 195, contacts 175 of relay l'iilwhic'h is now closedto the relay 150. Relay 15% locks itself through its own contacts 157AC, contacts 135130 of relay 130, its own contacts 158 and contacts 161 of relay 166. Relay 17h remains locked through contacts 177, 135BC, 158 and 161. This still does not change the routing of pulses from the stepping switch 121 to the steppingswitch 116 but causes the stepping switch 120 to proceed through 9 more positions to contact 5. r

When the switch 12tl'reaches contact 5, it is now in the same position as the switch 110, and the relay 130 is energized through ground connection 103, contact 5 of level 115, contact 5 of level 125, contact 156 of relay 159, the third position of switch arm 194, contact 155 of relay 154), to the relay 130. The relay 130 locks itself through its contacts AC and 137 and through the contacts 146 of relay which is now deenergized. Relay 150 remains locked through contacts 157AC, 137 and 146 and relay 170 remains locked through contacts 177, 137 and 146. Relay 134) is thus operated and the normally closed contacts 136 thereof are opened to drop the holding circuits for the relay 140, and 180.

The relay 139 operates to open contact 133 and thereby disconnect the main switch 100 from the stepping switch 120, and to close contacts 132 which are in series with contacts'143 which are now closed as relay 140 drops out, to apply pulses to the stepping switch 110. This is the end of a pace and causes the switchover from the stepping switch 120 to the stepping switch 110.

. The system of Fig. 2 has been described for operation with the selector switch 191) in either the 1, 2 or 3 positionsIto count in a range from 1 to 9, 10 to 18, and 19 to 27, inclusive. The various numbers within these ranges are selected by the interconnection between levels ing is provided a s a step in an over-all control circuit or a multi-function machine as has been described in 13 connection with Fig. 1,. and in such a system wear of the contacts is further reduced as previously described.

When the counter of Fig. 2 is used in the control system for a multi-function machine, a second switch may be ganged with the main operating switch as in the system shown in dotted lines in Fig. l. The locking circuits for the relays 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 and 180 may be greatly simplified since these relays may simply lock themselves until they are all locked up at the end of each count and then the entire system is deenergized to release the relays. The relay contacts 156, 162, 166 and 168 may be eliminated and the circuits through these contacts may be connected so that they are always com plete.

In the operation of this system, after the counter has been horned, when first energized the relays 130, 150 and 170 will be operated and will lock themselves. Relays 180, 160 and 140 will then be operated in sequence as described, in response to the pulses. These relays will lock themselves to operate a circuit in the machine. When all the relays are locked no further pulses can be applied to the stepping switches. The counter will then be deenergized by the machine and all the relays will fall out. When the counter is next energized by the next cycle of the machine, relays 140, 160 and 180 will be operated and will lock themselves. Relays 170, 150 and 130 will then be operated in sequence in response to the pulses, and will lock themselves to operate the control circuit of the machine.

The system of Fig. 2 preserves the fundamental features of my invention that there is no waste operation either as to time or wear which results from the need of homing the switches. The switches must be homed before operation is started but not between successive counts. This means that the switches must be horned when the system is started up initially, but the system may run continuously for days or weeks without homing as long as continuous operation takes place. When either stepping switches or any other step-by-step devices are used in the system disclosed, only one device operates at a time to cut down wear and the wear is uniformly distributed because each step is operated the same number of times as any other step. The relays are operated through different stepping switch contacts each time because of the operation of the systems to further distribute wear.

Systems in accordance with the invention can be provided as very compact units. Units for counting up to 10, which include a pair of relays, a pair of stepping switches, and selective interconnecting means for determining the count, have been built in a housing having dimensions of approximately 4" x 5" x 7". It is therefore seen that the unit can be very simple and inexpensive and thereby be suitable for use in many counting applications, or can be more complicated to meet more strict requirements.

Although certain embodiments of the invention have been disclosed which are illustrative thereof, it is obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the intended scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A pace making system including a plurality of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts, .a movable contact associated with said fixed contacts, and driving means for said movable contacts, means for homing said switches so that said movable contacts are brought to positions engaging the first fixed contacts thereof, a source of pulses, and a control circuit including portions selectively connecting said driving means to said source of pulses and including operating means connected to said switch contacts for operation thereby when said movable contacts of said switches reach positions having predetermined relations with respect to each other, said operating means operating said connecting portions for disconnecting said driving means of each switch from said source of 14- pulses after it has completed a pace including a predetermined number of steps and for connecting said driving means of the next switch thereto, said control circuit including means opera-ting between successive paces for performing control functions.

2. A counting system including a plurality of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts, a movable contact associated with said fixed contacts, and driving means for said movable contacts, means for homing said switches so that said movable contacts are brought to the number one fixed contacts thereof, said homing means including interrupter contacts and offnormal contacts of each of said stepping switches and switch means for providing circuits through said interrupter contacts and said off-normal contacts for causing said movable contacts of said switches to move step-bystep to said number one fixed contacts, a source of pulses, and a control circuit including portions selectively connecting said driving means to said source of pulses and including operating means connected to said switch contacts for operation thereby when said movable contacts of said switches reach positions having predetermined relations with respect to each other, said operating means operating said connecting portions for disconnecting said driving means of each switch from said source of pulses after it has completed a pace including a predetermined number of steps and for connecting said driving means of the next switch thereto, said control circuit including means operating between successive paces for performing control functions.

3. A counting system including a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of mechanically interconnected movable contacts, driving means for said movable contacts arrange in a predetermined order, and a group of fixed contacts associated with each movable contact, means for homing said switches so that said movable contacts thereof are brought to predetermined initial positions, a source of pulses, a control circuit including first and second relays for connecting said driving means in turn to said source of pulses and for disabling the system after a predetermined number of pulses are counted, and means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with said pulses, said control circuit including interconnections between said fixed contacts of said stepping switches connecting the first contact of one group of fixed contacts of one stepping switch with a selected contact of one group of fixed contacts of the other stepping switch, and connecting the succeeding contacts of said one group of contacts of said one switch to the contacts of said one group of said other switch which succeed said selected contact thereof to determine the number to be counted said control circuit including connections between movable contacts of said stepping switches and said relays providing a circuit for operating said relays to disable said system in response to the application of said predetermined number of pulses, said relays operating faster than said stepping switches so that said switches do not operate in response to the last pulse of each number which causes said relays to disable the system.

4. A counting system including a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of mechanically interconnected movable contacts, driving means for said movable contacts arranged in a predetermined order and a group of fixed contacts associated with each movable contact, a source of pulses, a control circuit including first and second relays for connecting said driving means in turn to said source of pulses and for disabling the system after a predetermined number of pulses are counted, and means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with said pulses, said control circuit in cluding interconnections between said fixed contacts of said stepping switches connecting the first contact of one group of fixed contacts of one stepping switch with a selected contact of one group of fixed contacts of the other stepping switch, and connecting the succeeding contacts'ot said one group of contacts of said one switch to the contacts of said one group of said other switch which succeed said selected contact thereof, to determine the number to be counted and including connections between movable contacts of said stepping switches and said relays providing a circuit for operating said relays to disable said system in response to the application to the system of said predetermined number of pulses, said relays operating faster than said stepping switches so that said switches do not operate in response to the last pulse of each number which causes said relay to disable the system, said interconnections between said fixed contacts providing direct connection for a count of one so that said stepping switches do not move for such a count.

5.- A counting system for controlling one'part of a multi-i'unction mechanism, and which is rendered operative when a count is required and inoperative when the count is completed, said counting system including a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of mechanically interconnected movable contacts, driving means for said movable contacts and a group. of fixed contacts associated with each movable contact and positioned to be engaged thereby in a predetermined order, a source of pulses responsive to a condition of said mechanism, a control circuit including first and second relays for connecting said driving means in turn to said source of pulses when said system is rendered operative,'said relays controlling the one part of the mechanism when operated, and means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with said pulses, said control circuit including interconnections between said fixed contacts of said stepping switches having adjustable means for connecting the first fixed contact of one group of said one stepping switch with a selected fixed contact of one group of the other stepping switch, and connecting the succeeding contacts of said one group of said one switch in order to the contacts succeeding said selected contact of said one group of said other switch to determine the number to be counted, said control circuit also including connections between said movable contacts thereof and said relays'to operate said relays for rendering said system inoperative in response to application to the system or a number of pulses corresponding to the interconnection between said fixed contacts, said relays operating faster than said stepping switches so that said'swit-ches do not operate in response to a pulse which causes said relay to control the mechanism. l

6. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, circuit means connected to said contacts of said stepping switches including a pair of main relays individually associated with said switches for connecting said driving means of said stepping switches in turn to a source of pulses, said main relays being connected to said movable contacts of said stepping switches and being rendered operative when the associated switch moves a predetermined number of steps to disconnect the associated switch from said source of pulses and connecting the other switch thereto, so that one of said switches operates for a pace including a predetermined number of steps and then the other of said switches operates for said pace with said switches continuing alternately, said circuit means including first adjustable conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of first and second main levels of one of said stepping switches with the fixed contacts of first and second main levels of the other one of said stepping switches, and second fixed conductor means inter-connecting said fixed contacts of one or more additional levels of each individual stepping switch with said fixed contacts of one of the main levels thereof, said circuit means including a pair of additional'relays for each additional level of said stepping switches, which condition said main relays for operation so that said interconnected levels of the same switch are effectively connected in series, the number of steps in each pace being determined by the position of said first adjustable means and by the number of levels effectively connected in series.

7. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, circuit means connected to said contacts of said stepping switches including a pair determined number of steps and then the other of said switches operates for said pace with said switches continuing alternately, said circuit means including first adjustable conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of first and second main levels of one of said stepping switches with the fixed contacts of first and second main levels of the other one of said stepping switches, and second fixed conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of one or more additional levels ofeach individual stepping switch with said fixed contacts of one of said main levels thereof, said circuit means including a pair of additional relays for each additional level of said stepping switches and selector switch means for selectively interconnecting said main relays, said additional relays and said movable contacts of said stepping switches, said selector switch effectively connecting one or more of said additional levels in series with the interconnected main levels, with said additional relays preventing operation of said main relays'until the count has been transferred to all levels so interconnected. v

8. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, circuit means connected to said contacts of said stepping switches including a pair of main relays individually associated with said switches for connecting said driving means of said stepping switches in turn to a source of pulses, said circuit means including first adjustable conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of first and second main levels of one of said stepping switches with the fixed contacts of first and second main levels of the other one of said step ping switches, and second fixed conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of one or more additional levels of each individual stepping switch with said fixed contacts of one of the main levels thereof, said circuit means including a pair of additional relays for each additional level of said stepping switches and selector switch means for selectively interconnecting said main relays, said additional relays and said movable contacts of said stepping switches, said selector switch effectively connecting one or more of said additional levels in series with the interconnected main levels with said additional relays conditioning said main relays for operation when the additional levels are so connected, so that said main switches are rendered operative when the associated stepping switch moves a predetermined number of steps to disconnect the associated switch from said source of 17 pulses and connecting the other switch thereto, whereby each of said switches operates for a pace including a predetermined number of steps and then the other of said switches operates for said pace with said switches continuing alternately.

9. Pace making apparatus operating from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of step-by-step operated devices each including a plurality of fixed simultaneously operated contact means arranged in levels, a circuit including portions alternately connecting said step-by-step devices to a source of pulses, said circuit portions being individually associated with said devices and rendered operative when the associated devices operates through a predetermined number of operations to form a pace to disconnect the associated device from said source of pulses and to connect the other device thereto, so that one of said devices operates for a pace including a predetermined number of steps and then the other of said devices operates for said pace with said devices continuing alternately, said circuit including ad justable conductor means interconnecting said contact means of said devices and fixed conductor means interconnecting said contact means of certain of said levels of each individual device so that said levels are eflectively connected in series and the number of steps in each pace may be equal to the number of contact means in each level less one plus the number of fixed contact means less one in each level connected in series therewith.

'10. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, circuit means connected to said contacts of said stepping switches including a plurality of relays associated with each of said switches for connecting said driving means of said stepping switches in turn to a source of pulses, said relays being connected to said movable contacts of said stepping switches and being rendered operative when the associated switch moves a predetermined number of steps to disconnect the associated switch from said source of pulses and to connect the other switch thereto, so that one of said switches operates for a pace including a predetermined number of steps and then the other of said switches operates for said pace with said switches continuing alternately, said circuit means including first adjustable conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of-one level of one of said stepping switches with the fixed contacts of one level of the other of said stepping switches, and second fixed conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of certain of said levels of each individual stepping switch so that said interconnected levels of the same switch are effectively connected in series, the number of steps in each pace being determined by the position of said first adjustable means and by the number of levels effectively connected in series.

11. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, a circuit including portions alternately connecting said driving means of said stepping switches to a source of pulses, said circuit portions being individually associated with said switches and rendered operative when the associated switch moves a predetermined number of steps to form a pace to disconnect the associated switch from said source of pulses and to connect the other switch thereto, so that one of said switches operates for a pace including a predetermined number of steps and then the other of said switches operates for said pace with said switches continuing alternately, said circuit including conductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of certain of said levels of each of said V t 18,, l switches so that said levels are elfe ctively connected in series and the number of steps in each pace may be equal to the number of fixed contacts in each level plus the number of fixed contacts less one in each level connected in series therewith.

l2. Pace making apparatus operating from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of fixed contacts ar ranged in levels, mechanically interconnected movable contacts associated with each level, and driving means for said movable contacts, a circuit including portions alternately connecting said driving means of said stepping switches to a source of pulses and including actuating portions individually associated with said switches and rendered operative when the associated switch moves a predetermined number of steps to form a pace, said actuating portions controlling said connecting portions to disconnect the associated switch from said source of' pulses and connect the other switch thereto,so that said switches operate alternately, said circuit including c011- ductor means interconnecting said fixed contacts of certain of said levels of each of said SWitChes SO that said levels are elfectively connected in series, and switch means for selectively controlling the number of levels which are effectively connected in series. a

13. A counting system which operates from recurring pulses including in combination, a pair of step-by-step devices each including a plurality of contact means arranged in levels with contact means of each level being simultaneously operated, a circuit including portions alternately connecting said step-by-step device to a source of pulses, said circuit including actuating portions individually associated with said devices and connected to said contact means and being rendered operative thereby when the associated device operates through a predetermined number of operations to form a pace, said actuating portions causing said connecting portions to disconmeet the associated device from said source of pulses and to connect the other devicethereto so that saiddevice operates alternately, said circuit including conductor means interconnecting said contact means of certain'of said levels of each of said devices so that said levels are efiectively connected in series, and switch means for selectively controlling the operation of said circuit portions so that said devices are disconnected only after the count has been transferred to all said interconnected levels.

14. A counting system for controlling one part of a multi-function mechanism, and which is rendered operative when a count is required and inoperative when the count is completed, said counting system including a pair of stepping switches each including a plurality of mechani cally interconnected movable contacts, driving means for said movable contacts, and a group of fixed contacts. arranged in levels with each level associated with one of a said movable contacts, means connected to said mechanism providing pulses, a control circuit including first and second relays for connecting said driving means in turn to said pulse producing means at successive operations of said mechanism, means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with said pulses, said control circuit including interconnections between said fixed contacts of said stepping switches and connections between said movable contacts thereof and said relays providing a circuit for operating said relays in response to a predetermined number of pulses determined by the interconnection between said fixed contacts, said 19 to the last pulse of said predetermined number which causes said relays to control the mechanism.

15. A counting system for controlling one part of a multi-function mechanism, and which is rendered operative when a count is required and inoperative when the count is completed, said counting system including a pair of step-by-step operating devices each including a plurality of simultaneously operated circuit connecting means arranged in levels, means connected to said mechanism providing pulses, a control circuit including portions for selectively applying said pulses to said step-bystep devices in turn at successive operations of said mechanism, said control circuit including an actuating portion controlling the one part of the mechanism, and means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with said pulses, said control circuit including interconnections between said circuit connecting means of said step-by-step devices, said actuating portion being connected to said circuit connecting means and being ren dered operative thereby in response to a predetermined number of pulses determined by the interconnection between said circuit connecting means, said control circuit including conductor means interconnecting said fixed circuit connecting means of certain of said levels of each of said step-by-step devices so that said levels are efiectively connected in series to thereby increase the number of pulses which may be counted, said control circuit operating faster than said step-by-step devices so that said devices do not operate in response to the last pulse of said predetermined number which causes a control of the mechanism.

16. A counting system including a source of energy for said system, first and second stepping switches having a plurality of levels of fixed contacts and movable contacts individually associated therewith, means for homing said switches so that the movable contacts of said switches are brought to the number one contact thereof, a source of pulses, and control means interconnecting said stepping switches including relay means selectively connecting said step-by-step devices to said source of pulses, said control including connections between said relay means and said fixed contacts of said stepping switches so that said relay means is operated in response to predetermined relative positions of said stepping switches with respect to each other and said stepping switches are connected to said source of pulses for operation thereby through a predetermined number of steps which form a pace, said relay means operating after each one of said stepping switches has moved through said predetermined number of positions to connect the other one of said stepping switches to said SOUIC6 of pulses for operation thereby, whereby said switches operate in an alternate manner, said relay means including means holding the same in fixed position in case of interruption of energy to said system so that said system will continue on from the last position when energy is again applied, said control means including means operating between the successive paces to operate an external control.

17. A counting system including first and second stepby-step devices each having a plurality of positions and operating from one position to the next in response to the application of pulses thereto, means for homing said devices so that both said devices are brought to the first positions thereof, and control means connected to said step-by-step devices and including connecting portions for alternatively connecting said step-by-step devices to a source of pulses and operating portions actuated in response to said step-by-step devices reaching positions having predetermined relations with respect to each other, said operating portions of said control means causing operation of said connecting portions thereof for stopping the application of pulses to the operating step-by-step device when a predetermined number of steps have been completed thereby and for applying pulses to the other device, whereby said devices operate in an alternate manner, said control means including means operating between successive operations of said step-by-step device to operate an external control.

18. A counting system for controlling one part of a multi-function mechanism, and which is rendered operative when a count is required and inoperative when the count is completed, said counting system including a pair of step-by-step devices each including a plurality of contact means rendered operative in sequence in response to the application of pulses thereto, a control circuit including first and second control means for connecting said step-by-step devices in turn to a source of pulses when said system is rendered operative, said control means controlling the one part of the mechanism when operated, and means for selectively energizing said control circuit in synchronism with the pulses, said control circuit including adjustable interconnections between said contact means of said step-by-step devices and including connections between said contact means thereof and said control means providing a circuit for operating said control means to control the mechanism in response to a number of pulses corresponding to said adjustable interconnections between said contact means, said control means operating faster than said step-by-step devices so that said devices do not operate in response to the pulse which causes said control means to control the mechamsm.

19. A counting system adapted to be connected to a source of energy and a source of pulses including in combination, first and second step-by-step operating devices, means for homing said devices so that said devices are brought to the initial positions thereof, and control means including portions interconnecting said step-by-step devices and selectively connecting said step-by-step devices to the source of pulses, said control means including portions responsive to predetermined conditions of said stepby-step devices and operating after each one of said stepby-step devices has operated through a predetermined number of steps to disconnect said one step-by-step device from the source of pulses and to connect the other one of said step-by-step devices thereto for operation thereby, whereby said devices operate in an alternate manner, said control means holding said system in the same condition during interruptions of pulses and of energy from said sources so that said system will continue from its last condition when pulses and energy are resumed, said control means including means operating between successive paces to operate an external control.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,710 Bidwell et a1. July 5, 1938 2,394,637 Schneider Feb. 12, 1946 2,432,727 Crothers Dec. 16, 1947 2,444,210 Lauricella June 29, 1948 2,652,197 Berger Sept. 15, 1953 2,669,388 Fox Feb. 16, 1954 

